Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared victory over the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol

However, Putin has ordered troops not to storm the steel plant where thousands of civilians remain trapped inside.

As the Russian PR machine went into full swing, in a video address Putin told his military forces to blockade the plant “so that even a fly can’t get through.”

Meanwhile, Ukraine claims Russia is doing everything it can to avoid a clash with the remaining forces in Mariupol because it lacks the manpower to claim victory.

Speaking in Washington, US President Joe Biden has officially announced a whole new range of funding and support for the war-torn nation.

$800 million in military aid will be delivered to Ukraine, comprising of heavy military artillery as Russia increases its offensive in the eastern Donbas region.

Biden says the assistance package will be delivered “directly to the front lines of freedom”, noting his country’s unity with Ukraine is sending a clear message to Putin that the West is united and Russia will never claim victory over its neighbour.

This comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy begs other Western nations to send more weapons and impose more economic sanctions on Moscow.

Speaking to Portugal’s parliament, the leader says his country is “fighting not only for independence, but for survival”.

Zelensky has also accused the Russian army of committing countless atrocities in Ukraine, including in Mariupol.

Ukrainian forces are continuing to resist attacks and are ignoring Russian calls to surrender.